We are a collective of professionals dedicated to exploring green building and the technologies, practices, materials and designs that are at the forefront of this movement. We will work to dispel the myth that green building is more expensive and we hope that this blog not only informs but inspires people, businesses and communities to join us in creating a more sustainable urban environment.

What is Your Walk Score?

We live in Seattle. We love Seattle. We think Seattle is a positive force in the universe. So we were thrilled when Seattle Metropolitan Magazine named Walk Score one of the 50 ways that Seattle will change the world. – Walk Score

We all have an idea of what a walkable neighborhood looks like – Seattle is filled with them. You can pop around the corner for groceries or a coffee, easily hop on a bus to get to work, walk a couple of blocks to the community park and you feel safe walking home from a late movie.

More officially, walkability refers to the percent of residential parcels within a walkable distance to an open space or commercial parcel. A walkable distance is defined as one-quarter mile, which equates to a walk of less than 10 minutes.

Studies show that walkable neighborhoods have a myriad of benefits including more active and healthy people, greater transportation choices, greater social interaction, improved environmental health, expanded consumer choice and stronger local economies.

That’s why, here at Building Seattle Green, we believe a home’s greenest feature is the walkability of the neighborhood it’s located in. So, before you rent or buy your next home, check out its Walk Score. Take it a step further by making sure it’s close to the type of amenities that you are most likely to use.